Complete Information Regarding the Pomeranian Toy Dog
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Senior Pomeranian Care
Overview of Senior Pomeranian Care
As we have learned in "Age", a Pomeranian grows up very quickly. Small toy breed dogs such as the Pom can be declared a "Senior" as early as 6 and usually not later than 9. It is your dog's veterinarian who will decide when your Pom is a senior and will begin geriatric
A lot changes when your little ball of fluff gets older.
We cover all of the details of caring for a senior Pomeranian in our huge book: The PetPom Book....However, here on this page we are going to go over some of the changes that will happen as your Pom grows older.
So, even if you have a puppy right now, remember that time moves by very quickly and we must be aware of the needs that older Pomeranians have.
As we have learned in "Age", a Pomeranian grows up very quickly. Small toy breed dogs such as the Pom can be declared a "Senior" as early as 6 and usually not later than 9. It is your dog's veterinarian who will decide when your Pom is a senior and will begin geriatric A lot changes when your little ball of fluff gets older.
We cover all of the details of caring for a senior Pomeranian in our huge book: The PetPom Book....However, here on this page we are going to go over some of the changes that will happen as your Pom grows older.
So, even if you have a puppy right now, remember that time moves by very quickly and we must be aware of the needs that older Pomeranians have.
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When your Pom is 7-9 years old, he or she will have new experiences at the veterinarian. They will begin to do Geriatric Screenings. This means that additional tests will be added to regular checkups to look for any issues that may affect an older Pomeranian.
In general, a geriatric screening of your dog will include: (1) a thorough, hands-on physical exam; (2) blood tests; (3) possibly an electrocardiogram; (4) specialized tests depending on your dog's health history. Some vets advise semi-annual visits once your dog becomes a senior. An annual visit is an absolute minimum. In between visits to the vet and annual geriatric screenings, you can stay alert to behavioral changes and other signs of aging.
Signs to Be Aware of With an Older Pom
• Sudden loss of weight can be extremely serious. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
• Serious loss of appetite -- to the point that your Pomeranian is eating almost nothing. See your vet right away.
• Increase in appetite without increase in weight may mean diabetes. Get to the vet as soon as possible.
• Diarrhea or vomiting, if it lasts more than a day can be a sign of many problems. Don't wait to see the vet.
• Increased thirst, without a change in activity level, and increased urination are other signs of diabetes. Your dog should be tested as soon as possible.
• Tiring more quickly than when younger is normal as a dog ages, but may also be a sign of disease affecting the heart or lungs. Be alert to your dog's becoming excessively out of breath after minimal exercise. Have your vet check for cardio-pulmonary problems as soon as possible, if you notice such symptoms. If the vet determines all is normal, you can continue an exercise program, but modify it in order not to overtax your Pom.
• Coughing and excessive panting may indicate heart disease. If these symptoms persist even after you've modified your dog's exercise program, visit the vet.
• Difficulty in getting up from a lying position, or other problems with moving may indicate arthritis. Your vet will be able to advise you on ways you can relieve your dog's discomfort and lack of mobility.
• Problems with vision and hearing are natural as a dog ages. Accommodate these changes as best you can -- by not changing the location of furniture, for example, or clapping instead of calling your dog's name when he no longer seems able to hear you.
• Graying hair and drying skin are sure signs of aging. More attention to grooming and the introduction of massage will help the condition of the skin and coat.
• Behavioral changes that you may see in your older dog include:
• Separation anxiety....you may note that when you leave your older dog alone, she become destructive or barks or whines or loses control of elimination
• Sensitivity to noise....thunderstorms that never bothered him before may now make your older Pom tremble
• Vocalizing....may be due to loss of hearing or to separation anxiety
• Uncharacteristic aggression....may be due to painful joints, a drug reaction, or intolerance for new people and new circumstances; your older dog likes things to remain the same
• Confusion, lack of attentiveness, disorientation....Roaming in circles, barking at nothing, being withdrawn....Elimination accidents....
If your dog is acting abnormally in any of the above ways, consult your vet right away.
Anesthesia for Older Dogs
There's always a risk when your dog must undergo a procedure that involves anesthesia. If your vet says your Pomeranian needs anesthesia, be certain the office is fully equipped with anesthetic monitors:
- a pulse oximeter
- blood pressure monitor
- and ECG.
Older dogs are generally at greater risk than younger dogs when anesthesia is administered, so this new anesthetic may be the best for an older dog.
Dental Care
Dental care needs to be continuous from the time a dog is young. By the time a dog is "geriatric," the effects of dental neglect will be evident and potentially life-shortening. Rotting teeth can cause gum and mouth infections, and these infections can migrate to the vital organs and cause serious damage. Gum (periodontal) disease is extremely common in older Pomeranians, and one of the more serious health problems that occurs. Basically it is the overwhelming presence of bacteria in the plaque that adheres to a dog's teeth.
Ideally, from a young age, a Pom will have access to chew toys and crunchy foods. In addition, your dog's teeth should be cleaned on a regular basis by your vet. But the most important element in keeping your Pom’s teeth and gums healthy is your brushing your dog's teeth regularly -- every other day or a minimum of three times a week. By brushing regularly, you can also lengthen the time between professional cleanings by the vet. Doggie toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other devices for at-home teeth cleaning are available at most pet stores and through catalogs. The toothpaste should contain chlorhexidine to be effective. Beef- or chicken-flavored toothpaste will make your dog think he is getting a treat. (We know of dogs who beg to have their teeth brushed.)
Here's one technique for brushing your dog's teeth: hold the mouth closed gently. Slide the brush in under the lips and along the teeth, toward the molars. Spend most of the brushing time on the molars, and do what you can with the other teeth. It's not necessary to open your Pom’s mouth to brush the inside surfaces of the teeth. Don't give up if it doesn't work so smoothly the first time. And try different techniques if the suggested one doesn't suit your Pom. By experimenting, you and your Pom will learn how to cooperate to get the job done.
As a Pomeranian ages, he gets lazier about chewing his food and playing with chew toys. He may develop a preference for softer food. He may give only a few half-hearted nudges to the toys and bones he once gnawed on happily for hours. A gradually diminishing interest in chewing is normal as a dog ages; but if your Pomeranian stops chewing suddenly or looks like he is eating in a "careful" way, it may be a sign that his teeth and gums are hurting and need professional attention.
Have your vet check your older Pom’s teeth regularly; but do it immediately if you notice a sudden change in his chewing or eating behavior. If your vet recommends that your dog's teeth be cleaned under anesthesia, you should be informed about the risks.
Alternatively, some vets will clean an older (mellower) dog's teeth using an ultrasound scaler, a mild sedative, and a "sack" type of restraint. But this may not be possible, even with a mellow dog, if there is serious gum disease.
Encourage chewing behavior as best you can: a new crunchy biscuit might work, or a new chew toy. Some of the rope "flossing" toys on the market are also often recommended by veterinarians. Most vets agree, however, that brushing is the most effective means of keeping your dog's teeth and gums healthy in between professional cleanings.
Exercise Changes for Older Pomeranians
Exercise is as essential to dogs as it is to humans. It is profoundly tied to a dog's physical, mental, and emotional health. A sedentary dog is a bored dog, often an overweight dog, and, in general, a less-than-optimally-healthy dog. In older Pomeranians, obesity is the most common condition that vets see, and lack of exercise is a critical component of it.
As dogs age, they still need their exercise to benefit their heart, lungs, circulation, digestive system, and joints -- as well as to fight obesity. Compared with younger dogs, however, older dogs need to adjust the type and duration of the exercise they do.Every dog is different in the way he or she ages and the exercise he or she can handle. You really need to be very observant in assessing your particular Pom’s abilities, natural inclinations, and current state of health. Keep alert to your dog's being excessively out of breath, or to a drooping head and tail. If your Pom coughs or does not get her breath back after five minutes of rest following exercise, have the vet check her heart.
In fact, if your dog is over 7 and has not had a check-up including a geriatric screening for more than six months and she has not been exercising regularly, get the check-up before beginning an exercise program.
Keep in mind that in general small dogs -- even younger ones -- aren't meant for distance running (therefore, it's not a good idea to take your Pom jogging with you).
Other basics to keep in mind: It's best to exercise your dog before he eats and to wait about half an hour after the exercise session before giving a meal. Keep your older Pomeranian out of the sun, and, on a hot day, it's probably best not to exercise outdoors at all. Very cold, wet days are also times when indoor exercise is more appropriate.
If your Pom has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia, usually walking and swimming are the best activities. For walking, use a harness so that you can control the duration and strenuousness of the exercise.
Two shorter walks will be less stressful on aging joints than one long walk. The walks can be quite brisk, provided the vet has given approval. A brisk walk should have four components:
• a warm-up of about 5 minutes, gradually increasing the pace
• brisk walking of about 20 minutes
• a cool-down of about 5 minutes, during which you gradually decrease the pace
• a drink of water.
If you play fetch with your older Pom, throw the ball or toy a little closer than you did when your dog was younger, and repeat the toss fewer times. After a point, it is probably advisable to stop playing fetch and to concentrate on walking or swimming.
When swimming, remember that an older Pom will tend to become chilled much more quickly than a young dog. Take big towels along, and use them to dry off your dog as soon as he gets out of the water -- and preferably before he begins shivering.
Keep in mind that your Pom will do anything to please you. That will mean he may tend to become over-exerted in running or playing simply because he thinks that's what you expect. You will need to judge carefully and to adjust the strenuousness and duration of the exercise accordingly.
At-home exercise is also a good alternative for older dogs. Use a carpeted area for the session, and one of your dog's favorite toys. You can play a modified game of "fetch" in a relatively small area. You might also want to play a game that involves your dog doing "roll-overs" or lying on her back to "kick the air." "Wrestling" and "keep away" are two other good games to play with your dog. The idea is to keep her active and moving in a physically non-stressful way. Use your imagination to invent other at-home games.
It's never too late to start an exercise program for your Pomeranian. Just as with a human, though, you should check your dog's general health with your vet, and then begin the exercise program gradually. If your dog has been inactive over a long period, frisby-chasing in the first exercise session is definitely not one of the choices! Easy, companionable walks of about ten or fifteen minutes a couple of times a day will make a good beginning.
Flea Control Changes for the Senior Pom
No dog gets through life without fleas. Fleas are an especially big problem if a dog is allergic to flea bites. Many Poms become more sensitive to flea bites as they age because older skin is drier and an aging immune system weaker.
Even though your dog may have gone through puppyhood and most of the adult years with barely the flick of a paw at a flea, the senior years are different. Flea control becomes increasingly important as your Pomeranian ages.
Some people insist they have no fleas in their home or on their dog. Yet, their Pom is always scratching. Denial will not help here… And it is not your fault if your Pom has fleas…They can jump up to 6 feet… All it takes is a visit to a vet, pet store, doggie park, etc…and a flea/s can jump from one dog onto your Pom.
Fleas are resilient and prolific. They like a temperate, moist climate best, but they can go into a dormant state for as much as a year, waiting until conditions for survival and reproduction are more favorable. They live (or lie dormant) in carpets, furniture, bedding, floor and wall joints, indoor plants, gardens, and yards. They like the cozy, moist places around bushes in your garden. They like the car, too, if the dog goes for rides in it.
Here is the plan of attack to keep fleas under control:
• Attack the fleas on your dog and any other pets who live with you.
• Attack the fleas in your home.
• Attack the fleas in the yard, garden, and car.
The advertising literature for some flea control products makes it sound as though your problem will be solved by using just one method of flea control. One method alone usually will not work. Use this three-part plan of attack. It's the best way to achieve good results.
Attack Fleas on Your Pom
Using brush and flea comb on a daily basis will help you to discover any fleas that may be living on your dog. However, you will still need to use agents to repel, kill, or affect the reproductive cycle of the fleas. With an older dog, it is wise to use the gentlest and least invasive methods.
Controlling fleas is big business. Major drug companies are focused on it, and, in the past few years, have developed some outstandingly effective substances. "Program" (Ciba Geigy Corp.) is a once-a-month tablet you give your dog. It acts when a flea bites. The flea ingests the pet's blood, which contains the drug in "Program" (called "lufenuron"). This drug prevents the flea's eggs from developing, ending the reproductive cycle. An "Ovitrol" collar also works by preventing flea eggs from hatching.
The active ingredients in Program and Ovitrol are "Insect Growth Regulators," or IGRs. These aren't designed to kill anything directly, but rather to interrupt the reproductive cycle of insects. The disadvantage to these products is that adult fleas are still free to bite, and an allergic dog will still react.
Two products that kill fleas but that appear to have no adverse side effects are: (1) Advantage (Bayer), which is applied to a pet's skin -- a few drops between the shoulder blades -- once a month. Fleas that get onto the pet die within a few hours of being exposed to the drug in Advantage; and (2) Frontline (Rhone Merieux), which acts in a similar way.
Don't use flea collars with insecticide content. They are not effective and can be harmful to your Pom. A better use for a flea collar is inside your vacuum cleaner bag. There it will kill any fleas you vacuum up around the house. When it comes to ultrasonic flea collars, we've heard they don't work.
Don't "dip" or "flea shampoo" your dog; the ingredients in such preparations are too harsh, especially for an older Pomeranian.
Attack the Fleas in Your Home
Most fleas spend most of their time OFF your Pom, jumping on just long enough for a meal. The rest of the time they live somewhere in the environment. That is why you need to vacuum furniture and carpets often. Use washable bedding for your dog and wash it at least as often as you wash your own. Dry the bedding on high heat (anything above 95 degrees will kill flea pupae). Treat your home with your choice of a flea control agent or use a professional exterminator three to four times a year if you live in a temperate climate, or at least twice during spring and summer.
Select the least toxic chemicals available. The company known as "Fleabusters" uses a non-toxic powder that is very effective. If you use a traditional exterminator, ask about the chemicals they employ. "Precor" is in the IGR class and is considered fairly non-toxic. Pyrethrins and pyrethroids, though somewhat toxic, are common and considered safe when properly applied. Organophosphates are also safe as long as you don't have exposure to them while they are still wet.
The flea-control professionals usually can do a better job than you can do yourself. If you have been doing it yourself and your dog is still scratching, try a professional. Get a recommendation from your vet or from friends. Safe and effective application depends a great deal on the "professional" doing the job. Be sure the person or company is experienced and has a good track record.
Attack Fleas in the Yard, Garden, and Car
There are many choices for do-it-yourselfers to apply to the yard and garden. A class of substances called "wettable powders" can be used effectively. "Dursban" is an example. "Diazinon 25%" is a spray-pesticide that is effective. One problem with these pesticides, however, is that they don't discriminate among insects, and will be as lethal to ladybugs as they are to fleas.
There are some non-toxic alternatives to use in the garden. Diatomaceous earth is a drying agent that creates an inhospitable environment for fleas (available at garden supply stores). Another is a biological substance known as a "nematode" that kills flea eggs and pupae. Sold commercially as "Flea Halt!" and "Interrupt," nematodes are not effective on adult fleas, so, in a cold climate, you need to apply them in the spring, before the eggs have begun to hatch. In a temperate climate, you will need to apply them three to four times a year.
You can spray or "bomb" your car yourself; however, if you don't ventilate the car adequately afterwards, exposure to the poisons in these preparations will be dangerous. Try vacuuming thoroughly first. Then use diatomaceous earth on the carpets and upholstery inside the car. Leave it on overnight, and vacuum again before using the car.
Consider a professional to do your yard, garden, and car at the same time as the interior of your home is being treated.
Consult Your Veterinarian and Personalize Your Flea-Control Program
Check with your Pom’s vet to see if your dog is on medication or has a condition that would be compromised by using a particular flea control method. What works for another dog -- who may be younger and in a different state of health -- may not be right for your senior dog.
Grooming
Grooming a senior Pom is not just for looks. The coat and skin are the dog's first line of defense against environmental attack -- from such enemies as fleas, wetness, and cold. When the coat and skin are in poor condition, your dog becomes susceptible to disease or illness.
An older coat and older skin just can't take care of themselves like they used to -- because circulation and muscle tone aren't as good as they were when a Pom was younger. You can make up for the decrease in these functions with a grooming routine.A daily grooming session with the proper tools is the first step. Brush and flea comb are two of the basics.
Fifteen minutes is usually all it will take each day, but those fifteen minutes will save you time in the long run. You'll keep your Pom’s overall health at a high level, eliminating visits to the vet other than for regular check-ups.
Another reason for a daily grooming session has to do with an aging Pom’s need for physical contact and attention. While puppies and young dogs are busy running around and tearing up the place, an older Pom doesn't have energy for such things. A grooming session can be an energizer as well as provide an interesting diversion for the dog. It is also an opportunity for you and your Pom to experience the kind of closeness and physical contact that is reassuring and satisfying and that contributes to your Pom’s overall sense of well-being -- which, in turn, stimulates good health.
Regular brushing can lengthen the time between baths. Usually dogs don't need a bath more than once a month. A Pom with a thick undercoat can go for 3 months without a bath.
Always bathe your older Pom with warm water in a warm room. Cold will dry the skin and might cause chilling. Always use a very mild shampoo with an older Pomeranian, since older skin has a tendency toward allergy and dryness. Shampoos not especially formulated for use with a dog -- even "baby" shampoos -- should NEVER be used on any Pom of any age. Don't use a blow-dryer with an older Pom, which is too hard on the coat and skin. Instead, use thick, absorbent towels.
Use grooming sessions as a means of checking for tumors, growths, or changes in skin condition. Run your hands over all parts of your Pom’s body -- from stem to stern, along the abdomen, legs, ears, and tail. Early detection of a malignancy can extend your dog's life by years. The skin, as the largest organ of the body, also can indicate internal health problems that may not be otherwise visible. Watch for dryness or roughness of the skin texture, and for any unusual symptoms.
Nail Changes with an Older Pomeranian
Trimming is usually done about every 3-4 weeks on a younger Pomeranian, but an older Pom’s nails should be trimmed every three weeks. You can also do it weekly, if your preferred method is to trim just a tiny sliver from the nails each time you do it. Younger dogs can wear down their nails a little with the running around they do, making it less necessary to be strict about the time between trimmings. But an older Pom tends to do less walking and running, so it's critical to keep to a regular nail trimming schedule. Nails that are too long can affect the dog's gait and cause imbalance and muscle strain.
The older your dog is, the more critical it is to keep the nails at the proper length, primarily so that the dog can maintain some semblance of a regular exercise program without compromising skeletal alignment and muscle function. A general guideline for proper length is that the dog's nails should not touch the ground when she is standing (i.e., not walking, but just standing still).
Mobility
How do you keep an older Pom with hip problems, arthritis, spinal nerve damage, weakness, or other ailments? Here are some tips and resources:
Traction
Keep the fur on your Pom’s pads trimmed close. This will give your dog more traction on slick floors. Put down skid-free carpeting in places where your dog normally lies down to make getting up and getting started easier.
You may wish to put coverings on your dog's paws -- such as those "slipper" socks that have non-skid material on the bottoms.
Animal Suspension Technology manufactures support harnesses for disabled and injured dogs. The AST Support Suit is a support harness for injured, weak or disabled dogs. It is designed to provide complete support and control for dogs that need help walking.
Steps and Ramps
Of course, you can carry you Pom…but to allow your dog to keep their independence, it is strongly suggested to have steps or ramps that allow your senior Pom to go up onto your bed, the sofa or any other safe area that they usually go onto by letting them walk up steps or ramps.
Neuter/Spay Surgery for an Older Dog
Is it appropriate or beneficial to perform neuter or spay surgery on an older dog.? Our survey of veterinarians indicates that, unless a dog is extremely old or medically unstable, the surgery can only be of benefit. Dangerous conditions such as pyometra and prostatitis can be avoided by spaying or neutering. As one veterinarian summed it up, it is better to spay a healthy 9-year-old than to do an emergency spay on a 9-year-old who is ill with pyometra.
Spaying or neutering a senior Pom is a decision that always depends on a careful exam by a veterinarian, including bloodwork and other tests. If the exam shows a Pomeranian to be healthy and in condition to successfully undergo the surgery, there is every reason to proceed with it.
Loss of Appetite and Loss of Weight
A gradual loss of appetite is not uncommon in older Pomeranians. As a dog ages, his senses of smell and taste may decrease, making food generally less appealing. A sudden loss of appetite may mean the onset of a serious illness, so be sure to check with your vet if your dog refuses to eat for more than a day. Appetite that gradually diminishes to a dangerously low level also may be a sign of a serious problem. Again, check with your vet if you are in the least concerned about your dog's appetite.One way to increase the smell- and taste-appeal of food is to warm it. It is, in fact, recommended that you always present food to your Pom that is at room temperature rather than directly from the refrigerator.
Take it from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature quickly; that is, don't allow it to sit out for a lengthy period to warm up. Of course, it shouldn't so hot that it might burn delicate tissue in the mouth, either.
Some older Poms like their food on the "soupy" side. Adding unsalted beef or chicken broth will make the meal easier for them to eat.
Nutritional Supplements
Check with your vet before introducing additional nutritional supplements into your dog's diet. An excess amount of something that is normally beneficial may create an imbalance in your dog's overall nutritional status. There are so many products on the market now -- especially in the "health foods" arena -- that you may find yourself confused. You are not alone. Many of these products do no harm; many do no good and are a waste of money. See what your vet thinks before giving supplements to your dog. Here are some to consider:
• Glucosamine/chondroitin -- for joint health
• Vitamin B-12 -- for energy and metabolism
• Vitamin E -- an antioxidant
• Vitamin C -- may play a role in immune function
• Brewer's yeast -- a good source of the B-complex vitamins
• Linoleic acid -- found i corn and sunflower oils
• Bromelain -- aids digestion and is an anti-inflammatory
• Glycerin -- for eye health
Drinks for Older Poms
Water is the best drink for your senior dog. The main problem with many older dogs is that they forget to drink, or, due to arthritis or joint pain, they have trouble getting up and moving around, so they avoid going to their water bowl. Dehydration -- even mild -- is a bad state for a senior dog.
The recommendations are: (1) thoroughly wash and re-fill your dog's water bowl several times a day. (2) Set out several water bowls in locations that your dog can reach easily. (3) Deliver the water bowl to your dog if you notice he hasn't had a drink in a long time.
Be certain that the water you give your older dog is clean and free of pollutants. Because an older Pom’s kidneys may not be functioning as well as when he was younger, they won't tolerate impure water. Filtered water is always a great idea. A good guideline to use is that if the water is good enough for you to drink, it's good enough for your dog. Similarly, if you don't think you should drink it, your older Pom probably shouldn't drink it either.
Companionship
An older Pom tends to sleep more, but that doesn't mean he should be left alone more. His nose still tells him when he has human company, even as he sleeps. He will still hear your voice (or sense your presence through vibrations), even though he looks like he's dreaming. Give your older dog the benefit of as much human companionship as he's had throughout his life -- even increase it, if possible. Keep him near you and take him with you when you go places. It will increase his sense of security and his involvement with life, and it will make him last longer.
Home Environment
In general, dogs like routine and sameness. Older Poms like it even more. To the extent possible, keep your Pom’s home environment and routines the same. For example, her water and food bowls should be in the same location and she should be fed and walked at the usual times and in the usual places. Of course, individual dogs will vary in their ability to deal with change in their surroundings. Dogs with decreased vision will be more stressed if the furniture is changed around than dogs whose vision is still good. Be alert to signs of stress in your dog that you may have inadvertently caused by a change in home environment. Try to help her adjust by giving attention and guidance and lots of positive reinforcement when she seems to become more relaxed about the change.
Slippery floors will become a problem as your dog ages. You'll notice that your Pom will begin to have trouble getting up from the bare floor, or walking across the bare floor. Cover the problem areas of the floor with a rubber-backed/non-skid runner or area rug.
Your older dog's sleeping areas are particularly important environmental factors. Many older dogs -- particularly those with arthritis in hips and back -- seem to prefer sleeping on an "egg crate" type mattress. Not only does it seem to provide a more even surface and therefore give better skeletal alignment, it also tends to reduce pressure on the dog's bony areas. Egg-crate mattresses are sometimes called "orthopedic" mattresses, and are sold, with zippered covers, through catalogs and in pet stores
Vaccination Changes
Annual Shots No Longer the Preferred Protocol.
Due to the incidence of illnesses in companion animals that have been linked to vaccinations, the practice of giving annual vaccinations has come into question.
The current protocol from Colorado State University , which is based on solid scientific research, advises vaccinations only every three years (except rabies, which depends on state laws). A quote from the protocol: "We are making this change after years of concern about the lack of scientific evidence to support the current practice of annual vaccination and the increasing documentation that over-vaccinating has been associated with harmful side effects. Of particular note in this regard has been the association of autoimmune hemolytic anemia with vaccination in dogs and vaccine-associated sarcomas in cats -- both of which are often fatal."
The protocol states further: "This Program recommends the standard three shot series for puppies (parvovirus, adenovirus 2, parainfluenza, distemper) . . . to include rabies after 12 weeks of age for cats and 16 weeks of age for dogs. Following the initial puppy and kitten immunization series, cats and dogs will be boostered one year later and then every three years thereafter for all the above diseases. Similar small animal vaccination programs have been recently adopted by the University of Wisconsin, Texas A & M, and the American Association of Feline Practitioners."
Many vets feel that dogs over 10 or 12 years of age should not be vaccinated because their immune system can be compromised, and also, by the time they are that age, they have received adequate protection. Some vets refuse to vaccinate a dog over the age of 7 years. Other vets are vaccinating older dogs only every three years. They will also not schedule a rabies shot at the same time as other vaccinations. It should be noted that the vaccines themselves carry the warning that they are to be administered only to healthy animals. Thus, if your Pom has any ailment or disease (e.g., cancer), vaccination should not be administered. In some sections of the country, you can have your dog exempted even from rabies vaccinations by obtaining a letter from your veterinarian stating that your dog's health does not allow it.
Antibody titres -- blood tests that detect the presence of antibodies to diseases -- can be performed to determine antibody levels. However, titres are not true indicators of the degree of immunity a dog has; that is, a low level of antibody does not necessarily mean that the dog is not protected. Another problem with titres is that different labs have been known to report radically different results when testing the same blood specimen. Some veterinarians feel that titres are worthless as indicators of whether your Pom requires a booster.
Winterizing Your Senior Pom
When winter is upon us, we need to focus on the special needs of older Poms, who can be especially susceptible to the extremes of temperature and other stressful, dangerous conditions of winter.
(1) Does your older Pom need a sweater? How about a raincoat? Wet fur decreases your dog's ability to fend off the cold. Even if she's never needed these before, as she gets older, she'll be less able to keep herself warm with activity.
(2) Is your Pom’s sleeping area free from drafts? Is there a blanket and thick mattress pad for her to snuggle under/sleep on?
(3) Never leave anti-freeze in a place that is accessible to your dog. If it spills on the garage floor, wipe it up immediately and rinse the area clean with lots of water. The sweet smell of it is attractive to dogs. Anti-freeze is a poison.
Vital Signs --"Normal" Readings for a Senior Pom
What should a Pom's normal temperature, pulse, and breathing rate be? Here are the ranges:
- Temperature: 99.5 - 102.8
- Pulse: 60-120 beats per minute
- Breathing: 14-22 breaths per minute
Looking for much more Pomeranian information? Do you have a Pom question and would love direct advice from the PetPom Experts? Forget about those silly little Pomeranian books that already tell you what you know ! It is time for something different!
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